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This week: Walking with Tech

This week: Walking with Tech

plus canceling, sleep ring, robot conductor

Brett Bouchard
October 19, 2024

Wise Tech - Technology news for non-tech humans!

In order to reach 10,000 steps a day you do need a way to count them!

1. How Tech Can Help You Walk 10,000 Steps a Day

What’s the tech? Fitness trackers and smartwatches are becoming essential for reaching step goals. These gadgets use sensors to track your steps and other health metrics. They sync with your phone to show daily progress, helping you stay motivated.

How it’s used: Wear a fitness tracker or smartwatch on your wrist, and it will automatically count your steps as you move throughout the day. You can set reminders to take a short walk or get up and stretch, which helps break the 10,000-step goal into smaller, more manageable chunks. For those who spend a lot of time at home, under-desk treadmills or standing desks can also help increase activity while working.

Why it’s news now: Staying active is key to overall health, especially as we age. Tech tools make it easier to keep track of how much you're moving. Plus, the rise of at-home fitness options, like under-desk treadmills, means that bad weather or a busy schedule doesn’t have to derail your goals.

2. Canceling Your Subscriptions Will Become Easier

What’s the tech?
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a new rule called “click to cancel.” This rule makes it simpler to cancel online subscriptions, just as easy as signing up for them.

How it’s used:
When you sign up for a service, like a magazine or streaming platform, you can cancel through the same online method in just a few clicks. Businesses are now required to provide easy-to-find options on their websites or apps for cancellation. They’ll also remind you when your subscription is up for renewal, making sure you don't get charged without noticing.

Why it’s news now:
Many people have had the frustrating experience of trying to cancel a subscription, only to be met with confusing or hidden steps. This new rule from the FTC aims to save consumers time and money by cutting through the hassle. As more companies move to subscription models, these consumer protections are becoming even more important.

3. What’s the tech?
The Oura Ring is a high-tech device worn on the finger that tracks sleep patterns and overall health. The latest version, Generation 4, offers features like continuous heart rate and blood oxygen level monitoring.

How it’s used:
Slip the Oura Ring on your finger, and it will track your sleep stages, heart rate variability (a measure of your body’s stress levels), and even your body temperature. The ring syncs with an app on your phone to give you detailed reports about how well you’re sleeping. It can also suggest ways to improve your sleep habits based on the data it collects.

Why it’s news now:
Sleep is crucial for health, but many people struggle with getting enough restful sleep. Devices like the Oura Ring give you insights into how well you're sleeping, but some experts caution against over-relying on them. While the ring provides helpful data, it’s not a replacement for medical advice. However, for many users, it's a handy tool for becoming more aware of their sleep and overall wellness.

Bonus Topic: What is a Robot Conductor?

What it does:
In a recent concert in Dresden, Germany, a three-armed robot named Maira Pro S made history by conducting a live orchestra performance. This robot was programmed to mimic the movements of a human conductor and led musicians through Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.

How it’s used:
The robot’s arms are programmed based on the gestures of a real conductor, allowing it to guide the tempo and give cues to musicians during the performance. While it might seem futuristic, the robot was able to follow the music and communicate with the musicians just like a human conductor would.

Why it’s popular:
This marks an exciting moment where technology meets art in a new way. It raises interesting questions about the role of robots in creative fields like music. Will robots be able to fully replace the human touch in art, or will they serve as a unique complement to it?

Conversation starter:
“Did you know a robot conducted a live orchestra in Germany? I wonder if robots could ever really replace the creativity of human conductors.”